I will be speaking as a member of a panel after the 7 pm showing May 21, 2011 of Race to Nowhere. Please come watch the movie that has parents and communities talking about how high stakes testing is damaging education and child health.
PRESS RELEASE: May 6, 2011
Contacts:
Lara York, Fremont Education Foundation 510-501-9675
Debra Watanuki, City of Fremont’s Human Relations Commission 510-921-8086
Sherea Westra, Fremont Unified District Teachers Association 510-299-4161
RACE SO WE ALL WIN
FREMONT, CA: School reform has become an urgent national issue which must be discussed at our local level, which is why the Fremont Education Foundation (FEF), the City of Fremont’s Human Relations Commission (HRC) and the Fremont Unified District Teachers Association (FUDTA) have joined together to bring “Race to Nowhere” to Fremont on Saturday, May 21st for two screenings at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m.
Unlike the other education documentaries, “Race to Nowhere” is the only film that shows what is actually happening to our kids as a result of current national policies and practices obsessed with testing, performance and competition rather than meaningful teaching and learning. “Race to Nowhere” finally gives voice to those on the front lines who are most affected by education policies - the students and teachers themselves. “Race to Nowhere” also is the only film to spotlight the intersection between health and education. “Race to Nowhere” invites all stakeholders to come together to find workable solutions.
Filmmaker Vicki Abeles shares, “As a mother, I experienced the stress firsthand and realized that no one was talking about it. I felt compelled to speak out about this crisis by making a film and giving voice to the students, teachers, and parents. I wanted to expose a deeper truth about our education system. We are graduating a generation of robo-students, unable to think and work independently, creatively and collaboratively.”
“After viewing this film, I was compelled to find a way for more Fremontonians to share in this powerful experience and have meaningful conversations with the students, parents, grandparents, teachers, business leaders, civic leaders throughout the City to find ways help our children lead healthier lives. Our lives are successful not only measured our accomplishments but our journeys, mistakes and happiness. When do we let our children today make mistakes?” Lara York, Board Member Fremont Education Foundation and Fremont Unified School District.
“FUDTA invites all its members to explore these issues, together with the community, to share our experiences and hear those of others,” Sherea Westra, Vice-President of the Fremont Unified District Teachers Association.
“The health and well-being of our children is fundamental for our communities to thrive; it is a top priority for our society’s future. We cannot pass the buck and say this is a problem for the schools to solve. The solution must come from the entire community joining together to forge true reforms to ensure that our children have every opportunity to be healthy, inspired and contributing members of our communities,” Debra Watanuki, Commissioner Human Relations Commission.
“Race to Nowhere” is a call to action to challenge current assumptions on how to best prepare the youth of America to become healthy, bright, contributing and leading citizens. After seeing the film, your views on education and childhood will forever be changed. The film empowers everyone to get involved and take ownership of what’s happening in our schools and communities.
“Race to Nowhere”
Saturday, May 21st
Washington West, Anderson Auditorium
2:00 p.m. screening followed by a discussion
7:00 p.m. screening followed by a panel discussion
Doors open 30 minutes before.
Purchase tickets online at: www.racetonowhere.com
$10 in advance. $15 at the door.
Seating is limited.
The Fremont Education Foundation is a non-profit, tax-exempt, public charity, established in 1991, to encourage increased community involvement and investment in our schools. Our members include parents, educators, school administrators, business people, and others from our community. We are an independent foundation that works closely with, but is separate from, the Fremont Unified School District.
The Fremont Unified District Teachers Association was chartered in 1965 and is the professional organization for the certificated personnel of the Fremont Unified School District. Our total membership is 1,800 full and part-time professionals. We are a charter of the California Teachers Association/National Education Association (CTA/NEA).
The City of Fremont's Human Relations Commission promotes and helps create a community
environment in which all men, women and children, regardless of race, religion, national origin, gender, disability or sexual orientation, may live, learn, work and play in harmony.